Gaming compact could be a bust for parimutuels

Reported by: Erik Waxler
Email: ewaxler@wfts.com
WFTS ABC Channel 28 - Tampa, FL
Copyright 2009 The E.W. Scripps Co.
Monday Night, August 31, 2009

TAMPA, FL -- Governor Charlie Crist says this deal allows the state to invest in the future of Florida's children.

He signed a gaming expansion compact with the Seminole Tribe that is worth an estimated $6.8 billion. Money the state says will go toward education.

State senator Mike Fasano is for that part of the deal. "We've gone through one of the toughest economic times in the history of Florida. We've done pretty well. And these dollars will help us rebound," says Fasano.

It's a 20-year compact starting with a $150 million payment next year. The state will also get at least 12% of the tribe's revenue.

Details also give the Seminoles exclusive rights to slot machines and casino games within a hundred miles of their locations. That includes Tampa's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Some legislators say they are worried how the deal will effect parimutuel businesses like Derby Lane and Tampa Bay Downs.

"The most important point is a fair and level playing field for everyone, for both the Seminole tribe and for pari-mutuels in the state of Florida. That they all benefit in the economy and they all play a important part," says Rep. Allan Williams(D) Tallahassee.

Those at Derby Lane are not happy. They say they're already losing business to the Hard Rock because they can't offer slots and casino games.

And if any parimutuels are ever allowed to add them, the Seminoles will no longer have to send those big payments to the state. "The Tampa Bay area parimutuels should be allowed to do the same. They should not be put at the back of the line and told you are not going to get anything. That's wrong," says Fasano.

State lawmakers still have to approve the compact. That could be done at a special session in October.